Three-way piezoelectrically-actuated microvalve device and method of fabrication

ABSTRACT

A three-way (3-way) Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based micro-valve device and method of fabrication for the implementation of a three-way MEMS-based micro-valve which uses a single piezoelectric actuator. The present invention has a wide range of applications including medical, industrial control, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics and products, as well as any application(s) requiring the use of three-way micro-valves for the control of fluids. The present invention allows for the implementation of a three-way microvalve device and method of fabrication that can be tailored to the requirements of a wide range of applications and fluid types. The microvalve may employ a novel pressure-balancing scheme wherein the fluid pressure balances the actuator mechanism so that only a small amount of actuation pressure (or force) is needed to switch the state of the actuator and device from open to closed, or closed to open.

This invention was made with government support under FA8651-16-C-0258awarded by the Air Force. The government has certain rights in theinvention.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to three-way (3-way)Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based micro-valve devices thatemploy piezoelectric actuation and methods of fabrication. The presentinvention involves a novel feature of using the fluid under control ofthe microvalve to pressure balance the actuator and thereby enable smallactuation forces to open and close the device. This present inventionhas a wide range of applications including medical, industrial control,aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics and products, as well as anyapplication(s) requiring the use of three-way micro-valves for thecontrol of fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of MEMS-based microvalves have been reported in the literatureusing a variety of actuation methods including: pneumatic (see e.g., L.Yobas, F. Lisy, R. Schmidt, M. Huff, “A Pneumatically Actuated TactileDisplay Unit Utilizing MEMS Microvalves,” 1998 Annual Meeting of theBiomedical Engineering Society, Rehabilitation Engineering ScientificTrack, Session on Sensory Aids and Communication, Cleveland Ohio, Oct.10-13, 1998); electrostatic (see e.g., M. A. Huff, J. R. Gilbert, and M.A. Schmidt, “Flow Characteristics of a Pressure-Balanced Microvalve,”The IEEE 7th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors andActuators, Transducers 93, Yokohama Japan, Jun. 7-10, 1993; L. Yobas, F.Lisy, and M. A. Huff, “Electrostatically Actuated MEMS MicrovalveSuitable for Pneumatically Refreshed Braille-Display-System,” Submittedto the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, BioEngineeringConference, June 1999, Big Sky, Mont.; L. Yobas, D. Durand, M. Huff, F.Lisy, G. Skebe, “A Novel Integrable Microvalve for Refreshable BrailleDisplay System,” IEEE/ASME Journal of MicroElectroMechanical Systems.);thermo-pneumatic (see e.g., Zdeblic, M. J. et al., “ThermopneumaticallyActuated Microvalves and Integrated Electro-Fluidic Circuits,” TechnicalDigest of the IEEE Solid State Sensor and Actuator Workshop, HiltonHead, S.C., Jun. 13-16, 1994.); shape-memory alloy (SMA) (see e.g., H.Kahn, W. Benard, M. Huff, and A. Heuer, “Titanium-Nickel Shape-MemoryThin-Film Actuators for Micromachined Valves,” Materials ResearchSociety Symposium Proceedings, 444, presented at Fall MRS meeting,December 1996, Boston, Mass.; K. Nandakumar, A. Parr, M. Huff, and S.Phillips, “A Smart SMA Actuated Microvalve with Feedback Control,” ASMEMEMS Conference, November 1998.); thermal bimetallic (see e.g., K.Nandakumar, A. Parr, M. Huff, and S. Phillips, “A Smart SMA ActuatedMicrovalve with Feedback Control,” ASME MEMS Conference, November1998.); piezoelectric (see e.g., Esashi, M., Shoji, S., and Nakano, A.,“Normally Closed Microvalve and Micropump Fabricated on a SiliconWafer,” Proceedings of MEMS '89, 1^(st) International Workshop MicroElectromechanical Systems, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 1989.); andelectromagnetic (see e.g., Yanagisawa, K., Kuwano, H., Tago, A., “AnElectromagnetically Driven Microvalve,” Proceedings of the IEEE 7thInternational Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators,Transducers 93, Yokohama Japan, Jun. 7-10, 1993. February 1989.).

All of these micro-valves previously reported in the literature havebeen 2-way devices that can merely “open” or close to allow the deviceto “turn on” or “turn off” the flow of fluid through the structure.Importantly, none of these devices can be operated as three-waymicrovalves that can direct the flow of fluid in a preferred direction.This is partly due to the fact that MEMS is in general a relatively newtechnology, and specifically because MEMS-based microvalves are evenless mature. Consequently, the only available method for theimplementation of a fluidic system wherein the fluid can be directed toa preferred direction has been to use at least a quantity of at leasttwo (2) separate two-way micro-valves. However, this is an expensivesolution that doubles the power required, size, weight and space, aswell as reduces reliability, and therefore is not an optimal orpreferred solution for many applications.

A major challenge for MEMS-based actuators in general, and microvalvesin particular, is the very low actuation forces that can be generated onthe small dimensional size scales of the actuator elements. Theresulting small actuation forces typically prevent these types ofdevices to be used where the actuator must overcome larger forces. Forexample, a typical electrostatically-actuated microvalve will onlygenerate less than a 1 psi (pound per square inch) of actuationpressure. Therefore, if the microvalve actuator must overcome the fluidpressure in order to open and/or close the device to the flow of fluid,then the microvalve would be restricted to applications where the fluidpressures are smaller than the actuation pressure, that is less than 1psi.

Exemplary embodiments disclosed in this application provide for athree-way microvalve device and method of fabrication that can betailored to the requirements of a wide range of applications. The 3-waymicrovalves disclose herein employ piezoelectric actuation, which cangenerate relatively high actuation forces compared to other methods ofactuation used in MEMS devices. This allows the control of much higherfluid pressures. In some of the embodiments disclosed herein, only onepiezoelectric actuator stack is required. This configuration may alsoemploy a pressure balancing scheme.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a three-way (3-way)Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based micro-valve device andmethod of fabrication for the implementation of three-way MEMS-basedmicro-valves. The present invention has a wide range of applicationsincluding medical, industrial control, aerospace, automotive, consumerelectronics and products, as well as any application(s) requiring theuse of three-way micro-valves for the control of fluids.

A major challenge for MEMS-based actuators in general, and microvalvesin particular, is the very low actuation forces that can be generated onthe small dimensional size scales of the actuator elements. Theresulting small actuation forces typically prevent these types ofdevices to be used where the actuator must overcome larger forces. Forexample, a typical electrostatically-actuated microvalve will onlygenerate less than a 1 psi (pound per square inch) of actuationpressure. Therefore, if the microvalve actuator must overcome the fluidpressure in order to open and/or close, then the microvalve would berestricted to applications where the fluid pressures are smaller thanthe actuation pressure, that is less than 1 psi

The present invention allows for the implementation of a three-waymicrovalve devices and methods of fabrication that can be tailored tothe requirements of a wide range of applications and fluid types.Exemplary embodiments of a 3-way microvalves disclosed in thisapplication may employ piezoelectric actuation, but can also use anumber of different actuation methods including actuation methods thathave very small actuation pressures and energy densities even at higherfluidic pressures enabled by a pressure-balancing scheme wherein thefluid pressure balances the actuator mechanism so that only a smallamount of actuation pressure (or force) is needed to switch the state ofthe actuator and device from open to closed, or closed to open.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a three-way microvalve with two inlet portsand one outlet port, and showing two functional states of the device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a three-way microvalve with one inlet portand two outlet ports, and showing two functional states of the device.

FIG. 3 is a table showing the possible states of a three-way microvalvehaving two inlet ports and one outlet port, which may be applicable tothe three-way microvalve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a table showing the possible states of a three-way microvalvehaving one inlet port and two outlet ports, which may be applicable tothe three-way microvalve of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a cross section of a pressure-balanced,normally-open, electrostatically-actuated, three-way microvalve with twoinlet ports and one outlet port. In FIG. 5A, the microvalve is shown anun-actuated state with both inlet port one and inlet port two both in an“open” state and connected to the outlet port so that fluid can flowthrough both of these ports and through the microvalve outlet port. InFIG. 5A the device is shown in an actuated state with inlet port two inan “open” state and connected to the outlet port thereby allowing fluidto flow through inlet port two, through the microvalve, and through theoutlet port. In FIG. 5B, inlet port one is in a “closed” state and doesnot allow fluid to flow through this port. In FIG. 5B the microvalvedevice is shown in the alternative actuated state with inlet port one“open” and connected to the outlet port whereby fluid is allowed to flowthrough inlet port one, through the microvalve, and through the outletport. In FIG. 5B, inlet port two is in a “closed” state and does notallow fluid to flow through this port.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a cross sectional drawing of apressure-balanced, normally-closed, electrostatically-actuated,three-way microvalve with two inlet ports and one outlet port. In FIG.6A, the microvalve is shown an un-actuated state with inlet port one inan “open” state and connected to the outlet port thereby allowing fluidto flow through inlet port one, through the microvalve, and through theoutlet port. In this state, inlet port two is in a “closed” state and nofluid can flow through this port. In FIG. 6B, the microvalve is shownactuated state with inlet port two in an “open” state and connected tothe outlet port thereby allowing fluid to flow through inlet port two,through the microvalve, and through the outlet port. In this alternativestate, inlet port one is in a “closed” state and no fluid can flowthrough this port.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a cross sectional drawing of apressure-balanced, normally-closed, piezoelectrically-actuated,three-way microvalve with two inlet ports and one outlet port. In FIG.7A, the microvalve is shown an un-actuated state with inlet port one inan “open” state and connected to the outlet port thereby allowing fluidto flow through inlet port one, through the microvalve, and through theoutlet port. In this state, inlet port two is in a “closed” state and nofluid can flow through this port. In FIG. 7B the device is shownactuated state with inlet port two in an “open” state and connected tothe outlet port thereby allowing fluid to flow through inlet port two,through the microvalve, and through the outlet port. In this state,inlet port one is in a “closed” state and no fluid can flow through thisport.

FIGS. 8A-8M illustrate a cross section of the fabrication process of thebottom substrate and the movable membrane used for implementation of thepressure-balanced, electrostatically-actuation three-way microvalve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to three-way (3-way)Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based micro-valve devices andmethods of fabrication for the implementation of a three-way MEMS-basedmicro-valve. The present invention has a wide range of applicationsincluding medical, industrial control, aerospace, automotive, consumerelectronics and products, as well as any application(s) requiring theuse of three-way micro-valves for the control of fluids.

The present invention allows for the implementation of three-waymicrovalve devices and methods of fabrication that can be tailored tothe requirements of a wide range of applications and fluid types. Thethree-way microvalves we disclose herein use piezoelectric actuation,but can also use a number of other different actuation methods includingactuation methods that have very small actuation energy densities evenat higher fluidic pressures. This is enabled by a novelpressure-balancing scheme wherein the fluid pressure balances theactuation so that only a small amount of actuation force or pressure isneeded to switch the state of the actuator and device, even when thefluid pressure is much larger than the pressure that can be generated bythe actuator.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B illustrate the functionality of the three-waymicrovalve of the present invention. The microvalve has three (3)fluidic ports (openings into or out of the device structure throughwhich fluid [either gas or liquid or a combination of gas and liquids]can flow) with two (2) different microvalve device configurations, withthe first device configuration shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the secondin FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In one microvalve device configuration 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,the microvalve device 11 has two inlet fluidic ports, inlet port one,numbered 12, and inlet port two, numbered 13, that are used as inletports thereby allowing fluid to flow into the microvalve. That is, fluidcan flow into the microvalve device 11 through these inlet ports 12 and13, through the microvalve 11, and into, and through the remaining port,outlet port three, numbered 16, if these ports are in an “open” state.

Inlet port one, numbered 12, is connected to inlet fluid conduit 14 thatis a fluid pathway into inlet port one 12 and the microvalve device 11in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Outlet port three, numbered 16, is connected tooutlet fluid conduit 17 that is a fluid pathway out of the microvalvedevice 11. Inlet port two, numbered 13, is connected to fluid conduit 15and is a fluid pathway into inlet port two 13 and the microvalve 11.

The microvalve device 11 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has a fluidicswitching mechanism 18 whereby either inlet port one, numbered 12, orinlet port two, numbered 13, is connected to outlet port three, numbered16. This fluidic switching mechanism 18 is shown in two of the switchedstates with the first switched state illustrated in FIG. 1A whereininlet port one, numbered 12, is fluidically connected to outlet portthree, numbered 16. That is, fluid can flow from conduit 14, throughinlet port one 12, through the microvalve 11, through the outlet port16, and subsequently through conduit 17. In the state shown in FIG. 1A,inlet port two, numbered 13, is not connected to outlet port three,numbered 16. That is, no fluid is allowed from conduit 15, through theinlet port two and into the microvalve 11, and therefore no fluid canflow through conduit 17 from inlet port two 13.

In the second switched state, shown in FIG. 1B, inlet port two, numbered13, is fluidically connected to outlet port three, numbered 16 by thefluid switch 18 of the microvalve 11. That is, fluid can flow fromconduit 15, through the inlet port two 13, through the microvalve 11,through the outlet port 16, and subsequently through conduit 17. In thestate shown in FIG. 1B, inlet port one, numbered 12, is not connected tooutlet port three, numbered 16. That is, no fluid is allowed fromconduit 14, through the inlet port one and into the microvalve 11, andtherefore no fluid can flow through conduit 17 from inlet port one 12.

In the second device configuration 20, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, themicrovalve device 21 has one inlet fluidic port, inlet port one,numbered 26, that is used as an inlet port, that is, fluid can flow intothe microvalve device 21 through this inlet port 26. There are twooutlet fluidic ports, with outlet port one numbered 22, and outlet porttwo numbered 23. These outlet ports 22 and 23 are used as outlet ports22 and 23 whereby fluid can flow out of the microvalve device 21 thatentered through inlet port one 26. Inlet port one, numbered 26, isconnected to inlet fluid conduit 27 that is a fluid pathway into themicrovalve device 21. Outlet port one, numbered 22, is connected tooutlet fluid conduit 24 that is a fluid pathway out of the microvalvedevice 21. Outlet port two, numbered 23, is connected to outlet fluidconduit 25 that is a fluid pathway out of the microvalve device 21.

The microvalve device 21 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has a switchingmechanism 28 whereby the inlet port, numbered 26, is connected to eitheroutlet port one, numbered 22, or outlet port two, numbered 23.

This switching mechanism 28 is shown in two states with the firstswitched state illustrated in FIG. 2A wherein the inlet port, numbered26, is fluidically connected to outlet port one, numbered 22. That is,fluid can flow from conduit 27, through the inlet port 26, through themicrovalve 21, through the outlet port one 22, and subsequently throughconduit 24. In the state shown in FIG. 2A, the inlet port, numbered 26,is not connected to outlet port two, numbered 23. That is, no fluid isallowed from conduit 27, through the microvalve 21, and through conduit25.

In the second switched state shown in FIG. 2B, the inlet port, numbered26, is fluidically connected to outlet port two, numbered 23, by themicrovalve 21 switch mechanism 28. That is, fluid can flow from conduit27, through the inlet port 26, through the microvalve 21, through theoutlet port two 23, and subsequently through conduit 25. In the stateshown in FIG. 2B, inlet port one, numbered 26, is not connected tooutlet port one, numbered 22. That is, no fluid is allowed from conduit27, through the microvalve 21, and through conduit 24.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the microvalve is able tocontrol the direction of the fluid from the inlet port(s) and conduit(s)to the outlet port(s) and conduit(s).

In general, the 3-way microvalve of the device configuration of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, with two inlet ports and one outlet port, will have severalpossible states as shown in the table 30 of FIG. 3 depending on which ofthe inlet ports and outlet port are either in an “on” or “off” state. Ascan be seen, five (5) of these states are essentially equivalent in thatno fluid is allowed to flow through the microvalve device. Specifically,these are states 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. Additionally, state 1 wherein fluidflows through the device with all ports open is not of much interestsince this state can be obtained without the presence of a valve by justhaving a branching from port 1 to ports 2 and 3. The two (2) states ofprimary interest are states 6 and 7 whereby the fluid can from inletport 1 to outlet port 3 in State 6 and State 7 where the fluid can frominlet port 2 to outlet port 3.

Similarly, the 3-way microvalve of the device configuration of FIGS. 2Aand 2B, with one inlet port and two outlet ports, also has severalpossible states as shown in the table 40 of FIG. 4 depending on which ofthe inlet ports and outlet port are either in an “on” or “off” state. Asin the previous case there are five (5) states that allow no fluid toflow through the device. Specifically, these are states 3, 4, 5, 7, and8. Additionally, state 1 wherein fluid flows through the device with allports open is not of much interest since this state can be obtainedwithout the presence of a valve by just having a branching from ports 1and 2 to port 3. The two (2) states of primary interest are states 2 and6 whereby the fluid can from inlet port 1 to outlet port 2 in State 2and State 6 where the fluid can from inlet port 1 to outlet port 3.

It is important to note that valves in general, and microvalves inparticular, may not exhibit all of these states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.The ability for these devices to exhibit specific states is dependent onthe specific design of the device, method of actuator, as well as otherfactors. Nevertheless, as noted above, many of the states are redundant(e.g., the no flow states) or have no particular interest inapplications (e.g., the state with all ports open) and therefore theability of a microvalve device to exhibit less than all possible statesis not limiting in most applications.

Another differentiating element of 3-way microvalves is whether they are“normally open” or “normally closed.” “Normally open” and “normallyclosed” describe the state or position of the valve when no actuationsignal is applied to the device. That is, the natural or resting stateof the device when no electrical power is applied to the device'sactuator. Typically, a “normally closed” device would employ some kindof spring or mechanical force that results in the valve port or portsbeing closed when no power is applied to the microvalve actuator.Conversely, a “normally open” microvalve's ports are open when no poweris applied. Whether the microvalve is normally “open” or normally“closed” will depend on the exact design of the microvalve as well asthe application requirements. The 3-way microvalves of the presentinvention can be implement in both the “normally open” or “normallyclosed” device configurations.

Typically, the actuation method employed in any micro-valve design isdictated by the requirements of the intended application. Typicallythese requirements would include: maximum flow rate, maximum pressuredifferential, operating temperatures, electrical power; size and weight;type of fluid to be controlled; as well as other factors.

The specific device requirements of a particular application willtypically allow the number of viable actuation methods to be reduced.For example, in applications where the operational temperatures arerelatively low or vary over a large range, the use of any type ofthermally-initiated actuation methods such as thermal bimetallic,shape-memory alloy (SMA), and thermo-pneumatic may not be a good choicesince all of these methods require heating of the actuator, andadditionally, the actuator itself is temperature sensitive.

For example, shape-memory alloy and thermo-pneumatic actuators operateby heating an actuator material to induce a phase change and thereforethe phase change temperature would have to be higher than the maximumoperational temperature. Therefore, the operational temperatures are animportant determiner of the choice of actuation method. Nevertheless,thermally-initiated actuation methods may have some significantadvantages in some applications. For example, shape-memory alloy (SMA)actuators have several advantages compared to other actuation schemesincluding: the actuation energy densities of SMA actuators are typicallyvery high compared to other actuation methods and this allows thecontrol of fluids are large pressure differentials; and the maximumallowable mechanical strains of SMA actuators are also very high (i.e.,some SMA actuators have reported repeatable strain levels of around 8%)thereby enabling larger strokes and consequently larger flow rates atmodest differential pressures. Thermo-pneumatic actuators also have veryhigh actuation energy densities, but typically do not have large strokessince it is considered prudent to limit the strain levels of thematerials used in the actuator to below 1%.

Often a very important criterion for selection of actuation method isthe power requirements for the specific application. For example, forsome applications the heating requirements of thermal-actuation methodsmay exceed the device power requirements.

Additionally, pneumatic actuation approaches wherein an externalpressure generator is required to provide pressures to actuate thedevice will increase the size (and power requirements) of the deviceconsiderably. Therefore, for some applications pneumatic actuation maynot be an optimal approach.

Electromagnetic actuation is a popular method of actuation inmacro-scale valves, but this type of actuation does not scale well tothe MEMS size domain. Many MEMS-based electromagnetic actuation schemesrequire a meso-scale electromagnetic solenoid that must be attached tothe valve mechanism and this increases the cost and size of the systemconsiderably and therefore this actuation method may not be desirablefor some applications. Alternatively, some MEMS-based electromagneticactuation schemes attempt to integrate wire windings into the devicestructure, but this makes the fabrication very challenging and themaximum current that can be safely passed through small wires oftenlimits the electromagnetic forces that can be generated using thisapproach.

Electrostatic and piezoelectric actuation methods are often employed formicrovalve devices. However, it is important to note that both of theseapproaches have small inherent strokes. That is, the amount ofdeflection of the actuator during actuation is relatively small. Theconsequence of this is that the fluidic resistance of the microvalve inthe open state is high. In most design configuration reported, the valveopening due to the small stroke ranges from, for example, a few micronsto about 10 microns.

The resultant effect of a small stroke of the microvalve is that thefluid flow pressure through the opening will be high in order to flowresistance created by the small stroke and therefore this may limit theamount of fluid flow through the device when the microvalve is in an“open” state.

In the case of piezoelectric actuation, the issue of small actuatordisplacement, or stroke, can be overcome to some degree by using astacked piezoelectric actuator configuration. This is one approach takenin some example embodiments that are described below.

Another important point about electrostatic actuation is that theactuation energy densities or actuation pressures that can be generatedusing this actuation method are very small. For example, anelectrostatic microactuator usually generates only around 0.5 to 1pounds per square inch (psi) of actuation pressure. This can be scaledto the area of the actuator to determine the force level in Newtons. Incomparison, it is not unusual for macro-scale actuators to be able togenerate tens to hundreds of psi in actuation pressure. The consequenceof this is that a device using this actuation scheme may not be able tooperate, that is actuate to open and/or close, at differential fluidpressures higher than can be generated by the actuator.

Piezoelectric actuation schemes on the other hand, can generate verylarge actuation energy densities and therefore can be used inapplications requiring operation at high differential fluid pressures.Typically, electrostatic actuation schemes are simpler to implementcompared to piezoelectric actuation schemes. In fact, as a general ruleelectrostatic-based actuation schemes will be the simplest to implementsince it requires no additional or exotic materials such as in the casefor shape-memory alloys, thermo-pneumatics, bimetallics, andpiezoelectrics.

The important point about actuation schemes for MEMS-based microvalvesis that the requirements of the specific application will often dictatethe type of actuator that can be used. The three-way microvalve devicesdisclosed herein of the present invention can be used with any of theavailable actuation schemes.

An exemplary embodiment of a three-way microvalve 50 is shown in FIGS.5A and 5B. The three-way microvalve 50 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B ispiezolectrically-actuated and also pressure-balanced as describedherein. Most notably, the embodiment of the microvalve shown in FIG. 5can include only a single actuator in order to function as a three-waymicrovalve.

The microvalve 50 of FIGS. 5A and 5B uses an externally-madepiezoelectric stack actuator 54 that is attached to the microvalveplunger plate 55. The use of this actuator 54 allows large displacements(e.g., 5 to 10 microns or more depending on the number of stackedelements in the piezoelectric actuator) of the plunger plate 55 therebyenabling the fluid flow resistance through the device to be lowered. Theactuator 54 also generates a large amount of force (e.g., hundreds ofNewtons) that can be used to control fluids at higher pressures.

The microvalve 50 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is shown as a cross sectionaldiagram. The microvalve 50 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, is circularlysymmetric, but is not so limited. In some embodiments, the microvalve 50could be square shaped or rectangular shaped without changing thefeatures disclosed herein.

The microvalve 50 in FIG. 5A, is shown in the un-actuated state, thatis, with no power applied to the piezoelectric actuator 54. Therefore,this state is called the “off” state. The microvalve 50 is shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B without the surrounding packaging with associated inletand outlet fluid ports in order to simplify the illustration.

The microvalve 50 has two inlet ports, inlet port one 51 and inlet porttwo 52. There is one outlet port 53. In the un-actuated state shown inFIG. 5A, the microvalve 50 has inlet ports two 52 fluidically connectedto the outlet port 53. The inlet port one 51 is closed in theun-actuated state of FIG. 5A. The inlet and outlet ports may be sized sothat they contribute a minimal flow resistance to the flow of fluidthrough the microvalve when they are in an open state. In oneembodiment, the cross section of the openings in both inlet ports isequal. In another embodiment, the cross section of one or more inletport(s) and the outlet port is equal. In another embodiment, the crosssection of openings in each port of the microvalve is equal.

The microvalve 50 shown in FIG. 5A may be composed of a bottom substratelayer 57 a top substrate layer 58, and a middle substrate layer 69.However, it should be noted that the actual number of layers will dependon the fabrication process used to implement the device and therefore itis possible to implement the invention disclosed herein using more orless layers. The microvalve device 50, has an upper fluidic chamber 59and a lower fluidic chamber 60.

Inside the upper and lower flow chambers 59 and 60 of the microvalve 50,the middle layer 56 is made thinner and essentially is a membrane 56that is mechanically compliant. That is, the membrane 56 can bedeflected under the action of an actuation force of sufficientmagnitude. The membrane 56 has openings 64 that penetrate completelythrough the membrane layer 56 for the purpose of fluidically connectingthe upper 59 and lower 60 fluid chambers to allow fluid to pass throughthe membrane 56 from one chamber to the other. These openings 64 in themembrane are located approximately halfway the distance inside the flowchambers 59 and 60.

The microvalve 50 shown in FIG. 5A has sealing rings (or surfaces orvalve seats), 61 and 62, whose purpose is to reduce or eliminate leakageof fluid through the ports when the valve is in a closed position.Additionally, the sealing rings may provide for a reduced surface areain contact with the microvalve plunger plate and thereby reduce stictioneffects from reducing the performance of the device. The sealing ringsmay also be designed so that they represent the major component of theflow resistance of the microvalve when in the open state.

The piezoelectric actuator 54 is positioned on the microvalve plungerplate 55 and is shown in an un-actuated state in FIG. 5A. The microvalve50 piezoelectric actuator 54 has electrodes on at least two sides of thepiezoelectric actuator 54 as shown in FIG. 5A that are labeled for thetop electrode 66 and the bottom electrode 65, respectively. Theseelectrodes are connected to electrical terminals to the top 66 andbottom 65 electrodes with a top terminal 68 and a bottom terminal 67,respectively. The top 68 and bottom 67 terminals are shown with novoltage applied in FIG. 5A since the microvalve 50 is in an unactuatedor off state.

As shown in FIG. 5A, inlet port one 51 is closed to the flow of fluid.Inlet port two 52 is open to the flow of fluid. This fluid flow isillustrated by dotted lines with arrows 63 a. In the un-actuated state,the fluid entering inlet port two 52 flows over the sealing rings 61 andinto the lower microvalve flow chamber 60. The fluid flow 63 a continuesthrough the lower flow chamber 60 until it reaches the openings 64 inthe membrane 56 whereupon the fluid flow 63 a passes from the lower flowchamber 60 into the upper flow chamber 59. The fluid flow 63 a thenpasses through the outlet port 53 of the microvalve 50 to exit thedevice.

It should be noted that the upper flow chamber 59 and lower flow chamber60 have approximately the same area on the top and bottom portions ofthe membrane 56 and valve plunger plate 55. This combined with theopenings 64 in the membrane 56 mean that the fluid pressure inside themicrovalve 50 will result in approximately equal forces on both the topand bottom surfaces of the membrane 56 and valve plunger plate 55 withthe net result that the fluid pressure essentially is balanced on themembrane 56 and plunger plate 55. This has important implications sinceit means the piezoelectric actuator 54 employed on the microvalve is notrequired to have sufficient actuation force to overcome the fluidpressure inside the microvalve device thereby allowing the microvalve 50to be actuated using a smaller actuation force than otherwise. Withpressure balancing of the fluid on the membrane 56 and plunger plate 55,the actuation 54 employed needs to only overcome the mechanicalstiffness of the membrane 56. This feature allows the microvalve 50 tobe useful for the control of fluids even when the piezoelectric actuator54 employed is capable of generating forces smaller than the fluidpressures.

An actuated state of the microvalve is shown in FIG. 5B. An appliedvoltage potential 70 is applied across electrical terminals 67 and 68connected to the bottom electrode 65 and the top electrode 66,respectively.

When an electrical voltage potential 70 is applied across the terminals67 and 68 of the microvalve 50 as shown in FIG. 5B, the piezoelectricactuator 54 will develop a strain, given by ε71, that results in a netelongation or expansion of the piezoelectric actuator 54 wherein thestrain 71 is given by the ratio of the change in length ΔL of theactuator and its un-actuated length L, or ε=ΔL/L.

The strain 71 in the piezoelectric actuator 54 in the actuated state asshown in FIG. 5B will result in a displacement of the microvalve plunger55 downward if the piezoelectric actuator 54 is constrained by a toprigid surface (not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B, but will be shown in laterfigures). The displacement of the microvalve plunger 55 as shown in FIG.5B, when the microvalve 50 is actuated or on, results in the inlet porttwo 52 changing from being open to fluid flow to a state where inletport two 52 is closed to the fluid flow.

Simultaneously, when the microvalve plunger 55 is moved downward in theactuated or on state as shown in FIG. 5b , the inlet port one 51 changesfrom a closed state to an open state, whereby fluid could not flow inthe closed state to where fluid can flow in the open state.

The fluid flow 63 b in the actuated or on state shown in FIG. 5B entersthe inlet port one 51, travels over the top sealing ring 62, through theupper flow chamber 59 of microvalve 50 and then through the outlet port53 to exit the microvalve 50.

As noted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the 3-way functionality is implemented inthe microvalve 50 design according to the diagram of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Asnoted in FIG. 1A, inlet fluid port 12 and tubing 14 is fluidicallyconnected to the outlet port 16 and tubing 17. This is, in the stateshown in FIG. 1A, the fluid can flow from inlet port 12 through themicrovalve 11 and then through the outlet port 16. Simultaneously, inthe state shown in FIG. 1A, inlet fluid port 13 and tubing 15 are closedand no fluid can flow from this inlet fluid port 13 and tubing 15,through the microvalve 11, and to the outlet fluid port 16 and tubing17.

This is the same functionality of the microvalve shown in FIG. 5A, whereinlet port two 52 is open to the flow of fluid 63 a and the fluid flow63 a passes through the microvalve 50 and exits the microvalve 50through the outlet port 53. Simultaneously, inlet port one 51 is closedand no fluid can flow through this port 51 and through the microvalve 50to exit the outlet port 53.

In the other state of the microvalve shown in FIG. 1B, inlet fluid port13 and tubing 15 is fluidically connected to the outlet port 16 andtubing 17. This is, in the state shown in FIG. 1B, the fluid can flowfrom inlet port 13 through the microvalve 11 and then through the outletport 16. Simultaneously, in the state shown in FIG. 1B, inlet fluid port12 and tubing 14 are closed and no fluid can flow from this inlet fluidport 12 and tubing 14, through the microvalve 11, and to the outletfluid port 16 and tubing 17.

This is the same functionality of the microvalve shown in FIG. 5B, whereinlet port one 51 is open to the flow of fluid 63 b and the fluid flow63 b passes through the microvalve 50 and exits the microvalve 50through the outlet port 53. Simultaneously, inlet port two 52 is closedand no fluid can flow through this port 52 and through the microvalve 50to exit the outlet port 53.

It should also be noted that the microvalve device 50 shown in FIG. 5can be configured by making the outlet port 53 an inlet port, inlet port51 into an outlet port and inlet port 52 into an outlet port, andthereby implement the functionality of the 3-way microvalve shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

While the piezoelectric actuator 54 is illustrated in FIG. 5 as beingprovided in a portion of the inlet port one 51, embodiments of thisdisclosure are not so limited and may be provided in other portions ofthe microvalve. In some exemplary embodiments, the piezoelectricactuator may be provided in a surface of the chamber that is not part ofthe inlet or outlet port. In other embodiments, the piezoelectricactuator may be provided in the other ports (e.g., inlet port two 52).

The microvalve 50 in a fixture 70 is shown in FIG. 6A. Gaskets oro-rings 73 that are mechanically compliant are placed between thesealing surfaces on the microvalve 50 at locations where the inlet ports51 and 52 and the outlet port 53 in the microvalve 50 are positioned andaligned with the fluid flow pathways in the fixture, including the inletports 78 and 79 and the outlet port 77 in the fixture 70, to make afluidic seal around the inlet 51 and 52 ports and outlet port 53 on themicrovalve 50 and the inlet ports 78 and 79 and the outlet port 77 onthe fixture 70.

The fixture 70 has top and bottom sections 70 a and 70 b that have theinlet ports 78 and 79 and outlet port 77 machined as shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, there are attachment mechanisms 72that are placed on the fixture 70 that are terminated by adjustmentmechanisms 72 a and 72 b.

The microvalve 50 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B employ an adjustmentmechanism 74 and 75 composed of an fine-grooved adjustment threadedscrew 74 with a turn knob 75 on the side extending from the fixture 70that can be turned so as to extend the length of the threaded screw 74so as to remove any spacing between the microvalve piezoelectricactuator 54 and the fixture 70 and thereby allowing the piezoelectricactuator 54 a surface that remains rigid onto which to apply force whenactuated. Any force applied by the piezoelectric actuator 54 will bedirected to the microvalve plunger plate 55. As shown in FIGS. 6A and6B, a rigid piece 76 may extend over the top surface of thepiezoelectric actuator 54 so as to apply the force generate by thepiezoelectric actuator 54 uniformly over the piezoelectric actuator 54surface.

The microvalve 50 shown in FIG. 6A is in an un-actuated or off state asshown in FIG. 5A, except in the case of FIG. 6A, the microvalve 50 isplaced in a fixture 70 to facilitate making fluidic connections to theinlet ports 51 and 52 and the outlet port 53 of the microvalve 50.

In the un-actuated state of FIG. 6A, the piezoelectric actuator 54 hasno applied voltage. In the state shown in FIG. 6A, the microvalve inletport 1, 51 is closed to the flow of fluid, and inlet port 2, 52 is opento the flow of fluid. The fluid flow 63 a into inlet port 2, 52, passesthrough the inlet port 79 opening in the fixture 70 and into and throughthe microvalve inlet port 2, 52, passes over the lower sealing ring 61,through the lower flow chamber 60 through the opening 64 in the membrane56 between the flow chambers and into the upper flow chamber 59 andexits through the microvalve 50 outlet port 53.

The microvalve 50 in the fixture 70 in the actuated state is shown inFIG. 6B. As shown in FIG. 5b , the actuator 54 in the actuated state hasa voltage potential 70 applied to the two electrodes 65 and 66 of themicrovalve 50 piezoelectric actuator 54. This results in a strain 71 orexpansion of the piezoelectric actuator 54. Since the piezoelectricactuator 54 is rigidly held against the adjustment mechanism 74, 75 and76, the elongation 71 of the piezoelectric actuator 54 results in aforce applied to the microvalve plunger plate 55 thereby causing theplunger plate to move downward as shown in FIG. 6b . This opens theinlet port one 51 of the microvalve 50 to the flow of fluid and closesthe inlet port two 52 to the flow of fluid.

In the actuated or on state of FIG. 6B, the microvalve 50 has inlet port51 open to the fluid flow 63 b. The flow of fluid 63 b enters the inletport 78 of the fixture 70, and passes through the fixture 70 and intothe inlet port one 51 of the microvalve 50. The flow of fluid 63 b thenpasses over the upper sealing ring 62 of the microvalve 50 and throughthe upper flow chamber 59 of the microvalve, and then exits through theoutlet port 53 in the microvalve. The fluid flow 63 b then exits throughthe outlet port 77 in the fixture.

It should be noted that the electrical connections to the actuator arenot shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B to simplify these drawings, but can beunderstood as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

As can be understood and appreciated, the microvalve 50 in the fixture70 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B embodies the functionality of the microvalveshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Another configuration of the microvalve 50 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.In these Figures, the microvalve 50 is shown in a package 80. Thepackage 80 housing 81 that encapsulates the microvalve 50 can befabricated of any suitable material such as a polymer, ceramic or metal.The package housing 81 has 3 ports. There are two inlet ports 82 and 83and one outlet port 84. These ports may be constructed of alure-configuration to aid in attaching tubing to the package 80 in orderto facilitate making fluidic connections to the package 80 andmicrovalve 50.

The inlet ports of the package housing 81 directly fluidically connectto the microvalve inlet ports 51 and 52 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. And,the outlet port of the packaging housing 81 directly fluidicallyconnects to the microvalve outlet port 53 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

There is an adjustment fine-threaded screw mechanism 88 to allow any gapbetween the microvalve 50 piezoelectric actuator 54 and a rigid plate 76to be removed so that when the piezoelectric actuator 54 is actuated itwill result in a displacement of the microvalve 50 plunger plate 55.

The microvalve shown in FIG. 7A is in an unactuated or off state,whereby the flow of fluid 63 a from inlet port 1, 51 is closed and inletport two 52 is open to fluid flow 63 a. In this state, fluid can flow 63a into the packaging inlet port 83 opening 86 through the fluidic flowpathways in the packaging housing 81 and into the microvalve inlet port52. The fluid then can flow 63 a through the microvalve 50 device andexit through the outlet port 53 of the microvalve 50 and then outwardthrough the outlet port 84 opening 87 to completely exit the package 80.In the state shown in FIG. 7A, the fluid cannot flow through the otherinlet port 82 opening 85 of the packaging housing 81 and exit the outletport 84 opening 87 of the packaging housing 81. That is, the inlet port82 opening 85 is closed to the flow of fluid.

The microvalve shown in FIG. 7B is in an actuated or on state, wherebythe flow of fluid 63 b from inlet port 2, 52 is closed and inlet portone 51 is open to fluid flow 63 b. In this state, fluid can flow 63 binto the packaging inlet port 82 opening 85 through the fluidic flowpathways in the packaging housing 81 and into the microvalve inlet portone 51. The fluid then can flow 63 b through the microvalve 50 deviceand exit through the outlet port 53 of the microvalve 50 and thenoutward through the outlet port 84 opening 87 to completely exit thepackage 80. In the state shown in FIG. 7B, the fluid cannot flow throughthe other inlet port 83 opening 86 of the packaging housing 81 and exitthe outlet port 84 opening 87 of the packaging housing 81. That is, theinlet port 83 opening 86 is closed to the flow of fluid.

It should be noted that in both FIGS. 7A and 7B that the electricalconnections to the piezoelectric actuator 54 are not shown in order toreduce the complexity of these drawings.

A fabrication process 100 for implementation of the 3-way microvalve isshown in FIGS. 8A-M. The process starts with a bottom prime siliconwafer 111 in FIG. 8A. A layer of a material such as a deposited silicondioxide layer 112 or silicon oxy-nitride layer 112 is deposited on thetop surface of the silicon wafer 111.

A photolithography is performed on the surface of the deposited silicondioxide layer 112 or silicon oxy-nitride layer 112. Then an etch,preferably a reaction ion etch (ME), is performed through the depositedsilicon dioxide layer 112 or silicon oxy-nitride layer 112 to reach thesilicon substrate 111 surface. The photoresist (not shown) is stripped.

A second photolithography is performed on the surface of the siliconsubstrate 111. This pattern will be used to define the lower flowchamber 113 of the microvalve 50 and make the lower sealing rings 114 ofthe microvalve 50. A deep reactive ion etch (DRIE) of the siliconsubstrate 111 surface is then performed to form the lower flow chamber113 of the microvalve 50 and make the lower sealing rings 114 of themicrovalve 50. The photoresist (not shown) is then stripped.

In FIG. 8B, the next process step is to perform a lift-off procedurewhereby a photolithography is performed with open areas correspondingwhere a gold layer 115 will be deposited. After the photolithography, aphysical vapor deposition of gold 115 is performed. When the photoresistis removed, the result is the patterning of the deposited gold layer 115as shown in FIG. 8B. Alternatively to depositing gold, an alloy of goldand tin can be deposited, or an alloy of gold and indium. Pure indiumcould also be used as well as any suitable intermediary layer used forwafer thermo-compression bonding.

Next, photolithography is performed on the backside of the siliconsubstrate 111. This pattern will be used to make the fluid inlet port 52on the underside of the microvalve. A DRIE etch is then performed on thebackside of the substrate 111 completely through the substrate 111creating a flow pathway 116 from the bottom of the wafer 111 to the topof the wafer 111 as shown in FIG. 8C. This flow pathway 116 is used tomake the inlet port 52 on the backside of the bottom wafer 111.

A middle silicon substrate 119 is also processed. This substrate 119 isa silicon-on-insulator (SOI) type that is composed of a single crystalhandle wafer 120, a silicon dioxide layer 121 on top of the siliconhandle wafer 120, and a device layer 122 of single crystal silicon ontop of the silicon dioxide layer 121.

On the SOI wafer 119, a material layer 123 of silicon dioxide layer orsilicon oxy-nitride layer is deposited onto the top of the silicondioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitride layer 123 on the device layer 122of the SOI wafer 119. A photolithography is then performed on the top ofthe silicon dioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitride layer 123 on the SOIwafer 119 for the purpose of patterning the silicon dioxide layer orsilicon oxy-nitride layer 123. After the photolithography is completed,a RIE etch is performed on the silicon dioxide layer or siliconoxy-nitride layer 123 to create standoffs 123 on the top of the SOIwafer 119 that will be used to define the separation between the wafersduring a subsequent bonding step. Subsequently, the photoresist isremoved.

Depending on whether a barrier layer 124 is required for the metalthermocompression bonding, another photolithography may be performed onthe silicon dioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitride layer 123. Thisphotolithography is optional. If this barrier layer 124 is needed, thenafter completing the optional photolithography, another RIE is performedon the exposed silicon dioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitride layer 123leaving a thin layer of silicon dioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitridelayer 124 on the top surface of the SOI wafer 119 in regions where thebonding intermediary layers will be deposited as shown in FIG. 8D. Ifthis optional photolithography is performed, then once the silicondioxide layer or silicon oxy-nitride layer 124 has been etched thephotoresist is stripped.

Next, another photolithography is performed on the top surface of theSOI wafer 119 and subsequently the device layer 122 of the SOI wafer 119is etched using DRIE as shown 8E. Notably, device layer 122 will act asa movable membrane that is used to open and close the microvalve tofluid flow. As shown in FIGS. 8e -8H, there are pre-defined etched areas125 that penetrate completely through the device layer 122 of the SOIwafer 119 to make fluid openings 125 to enable fluid to pass from onepart of the microvalve to another. Then the photoresist is removed.

Subsequently, a lift-off process is performed whereby a photolithographyis performed and then a gold layer for thermocompression bonding isdeposited 126. The gold layer 126 is patterned by lifting off thephotoresist thereby leaving the patterned gold 126 behind as shown inFIG. 8f . Alternatively to depositing a gold layer, an alloy layer 126of gold and tin can be deposited, or an alloy layer 126 of gold andindium. Pure indium layer 126 could also be used as well as any suitableintermediary layer 126 used for wafer thermo-compression bonding.

If the optional photolithography on the silicon dioxide layer was notperformed, then it may be advisable to deposit a barrier layer 126 priorto the gold, gold-alloy, or indium deposition. This barrier layer 126can be deposited directly into the photolithography pattern defined bythe liftoff process described above. The barrier layer 126 can becomposed of chromium, chromium and niobium, or chromium and platinum orany other suitable barrier layer 126 that will prevent the gold layer126 or gold alloy layer 126 from diffusing into the silicon device layer122.

The middle 119 and bottom wafers 111 are then aligned and bonded to oneanother as shown in FIG. 8G. This is a thermo-compression bond, althoughany suitable wafer or die bonding process could be used.

The handle wafer 120 of the middle SOI wafer 119 is removed using DRIEor any suitable means. Then a photolithography is performed on the topof the exposed SOI dioxide layer 121 of the bonded wafer pair. The SOIsilicon dioxide layer 121 is then etched using RIE and the photoresistremoved thereby resulting in FIG. 8H.

A top wafer 130 composed of a single crystal silicon wafer 130 hasphotolithography performed on the top surface and subsequently a DRIEetch is performed to create the upper flow chambers 131 of themicrovalve and the top sealing rings 132. After the DRIE has beenperformed to the depth of the top flow chamber 131, the photoresist isremoved resulting in the structure shown in FIG. 8I.

The top wafer 130 then has a silicon nitride layer 133 deposited.Photolithography is then performed and the SiN layer 133 is etched usingME. This etch on the SiN layer 133 is used to define the mechanicallybiasing of the microvalve 50 membrane plunger plate 155. A second andoptional photolithography may be perform on the SiN layer 134 to make adiffusion barrier 134 on the surface of the top substrate 130 where thegold will be deposited for a subsequent wafer bonding step.

Subsequently, a photolithography is performed to conduct a liftoffprocess on a gold layer 135 for wafer bonding. After thephotolithography has been performed, a layer 135 of gold, or gold-tinalloy, or gold-indium alloy, or indium layer is deposited onto thephotoresist. Then the photoresist is removed leaving the depositedbonding layer 135 behind in regions were the photoresist was not presentas shown in FIG. 8K.

If the optional photolithography on the silicon nitride layer was notperformed, then it may again be advisable to deposit a barrier layer 134prior to the gold, gold-alloy, or indium deposition. This barrier layer134 can be deposited directly into the photolithography pattern definedby the liftoff process for the patterning of the bonding layer 135described above. The barrier layer 134 can be composed of chromium,chromium and niobium, or chromium and platinum or any other suitablebarrier layer 134 that will prevent the gold layer 135 from diffusinginto the silicon substrate 130.

Next, the top substrate has photolithography performed on the backsideof the wafer 130 and subsequently a DRIE is performed completely throughthe top wafer 130 to form the through wafer etched regions defined by136 and 137 as shown in FIG. 8L.

The top 130 wafer is then aligned and bonded to the previously bondedand processed wafer pair shown in FIG. 8h composed of the bottom wafer111 and the device layer 122 and silicon dioxide layer 121 of the SOIwafer 119 using thermocompression bonding methods as shown in FIG. 8M.

The open region 136 on the top wafer 111 in the microvalve 50 exposesthe membrane plunger plate 55 where a piezoelectric actuator 54 attachedby a suitable means (not shown). Electrical connections (not shown) aremade to the piezoelectric actuator 54 thereby completing the fabricationprocess. The microvalve 50 will then be placed into a fixture 70 asshown, for example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B or package 80 as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 7A and 7B for making fluidic connections.

It is understood that the 3-way pressure balanced microvalve 50 shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, and described in the embodiment described hereinrepresents only one of several variations wherein the dimensions orspecific details are different and are covered by this disclosure andclaimed in this patent.

It is further understood that the fabrication process described in FIGS.8A-8M may be modified in the ordering or type of process steps performedand are covered by this disclosure and claimed in this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A three-way microvalve device comprising: anupper fluid chamber; a lower fluid chamber; a plurality of fluidicports; a movable membrane of a pre-determined thickness that is locatedinside the microvalve and positioned between the upper fluid chamber andthe lower fluid chamber, wherein the movable membrane includes one ormore openings that fluidically connect the upper fluid chamber and thelower fluid chamber, and the movable membrane has nearly equal areapresented to both the upper and lower fluid chambers of the microvalveto achieve a nearly pressure balanced state; and a piezoelectricactuator positioned in one of the plurality of fluidic ports, extendinginto one of the upper fluid chamber of the lower fluid chamber, havingone end attached to the movable membrane, wherein in use thepiezoelectric actuator is in direct contact with the fluid, thepiezoelectric actuator is configured to generate a normally-directedapplied force upon the movable membrane to open and configured to closethe flow of fluids through one or more fluidic ports of the plurality offluidic ports of the microvalve.
 2. The microvalve of claim 1, whereinforces of the fluid on the movable membrane of the microvalve areapproximately equal on both sides of the membrane thereby enabling themicrovalve to be actuated with an actuation force one-tenth or less thanthat of the fluid forces on the membrane.
 3. The microvalve of claim 2,wherein pressure balancing of the membrane allows the device to beactuated with actuation pressures of less than 1 pounds per square inch(psi).
 4. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluidicports include two inlet ports and one outlet port.
 5. The microvalve ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of fluidic ports include one inlet portand two outlet ports.
 6. The microvalve of claim 5, wherein themicrovalve is normally closed to the flow of fluid through one of theoutlet ports of the device when the microvalve is in an un-actuatedstate.
 7. The microvalve of claim 5, wherein the microvalve is normallyopen to the flow of fluid through the two outlet ports of the devicewhen the microvalve is in an un-actuated state.
 8. The microvalve ofclaim 1, wherein the membrane is configured to physically contact andclose off one or more of the plurality of fluidic ports of themicrovalve to the flow of fluid.
 9. The microvalve of claim 1, whereinthe microvalve further comprises sealing rings around the periphery ofthe plurality of fluidic ports to increase sealing properties and reducestiction effects.
 10. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein thepiezoelectric actuator is a stacked piezoelectric actuator.
 11. Themicrovalve of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is a stackedpiezoelectric actuator that can generate forces of hundreds to tens ofthousand of Newtons to open and close the one or more of the pluralityof fluidic ports.
 12. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein the microvalveis positioned within a fixture, wherein the fixture includes threefluidic ports that connect to each of the plurality of fluidic ports ofthe microvalve and wherein the fixture enables electrical connections tobe made to the microvalve.
 13. The microvalve of claim 12, wherein thefixture is made using 3-dimensional stereolithography wherein fluidicpathways are completely contained within the fixture.
 14. The microvalveof claim 13, wherein the fixture is made of metal, ceramic and/orplastic materials.
 15. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein thepiezoelectric actuator is an externally-made piezoelectric actuator thatis formed separate from the movable membrane and is attached to themovable membrane before use.
 16. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein theone or more openings in the movable membrane separating the fluidchamber into the upper fluid chamber and the lower fluid chamber arepositioned outside of the radii of the sealing surfaces of themicrovalve.
 17. The microvalve of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectricactuator extends into the upper chamber in an actuated state.
 18. Themicrovalve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluidic ports include afirst fluidic port, a second fluidic port and a third fluidic port,wherein the piezoelectric actuator positioned in the first fluidic port,the first fluidic port and the second fluidic port are provided on afirst side of the microvalve forming the upper fluid chamber and thethird fluidic port is provided on a second side of the microvalveforming the lower fluid chamber, wherein the first fluidic port isaligned with the third fluidic port, fluid flow between the firstfluidic port and the second fluidic port is provided and fluid flowbetween the second fluidic port and the third fluidic port is preventedwhen the normally-directed applied force is applied by the piezoelectricactuator, and fluid flow between the second fluidic port and the thirdfluidic port is provided and fluid flow between the first fluidic portand the second fluidic port is prevented when the normally-directedapplied force is not applied by the piezoelectric actuator.
 19. Athree-way microvalve device comprising: an upper chamber; a lower fluidchamber; a first fluidic port, a second fluidic port, and a thirdfluidic port; a first sealing surface provided around an opening of thefirst fluidic port; a second sealing surface provided around an openingof the second fluidic port; a membrane positioned in the chamber of themicrovalve separating the chamber into the lower chamber and the upperchamber, wherein the membrane includes one or more openings fluidicallycoupling the upper chamber and the lower chamber; a plunger platecoupled to the membrane, wherein the opening of the first fluidic portis provided facing one side of the plunger plate and the opening of thesecond fluidic port is provide facing the other side of the plungerplate; and a piezoelectric actuator extending into one of the first,second or third fluidic ports and being directly coupled to the plungerplate, the piezoelectric actuator configured to control, based on anelectric signal, position of the plunger plate in both the upper andlower chambers by generating a normally-directed applied force upon theplunger plate, wherein without the electric signal applied to thepiezoelectric actuator, the plunger plate is positioned against thefirst sealing surface to seal the first fluidic port to fluidicallycouple the second fluidic port to the fluidic third port, and with theelectric signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator, the plunger plateis positioned against the second sealing surface to seal the secondfluidic port to fluidically couple the first fluidic port to the thirdfluidic port.
 20. The three-way microvalve device of claim 19, whereinthe piezoelectric actuator is disposed inside the first fluidic port andin contact with fluid in the microvalve.